Dimethyl sulfone (MSM, methylsulfonylmethane) is an organic sulfur compound used in topical formulations for its purported skin-conditioning, anti-inflammatory, and barrier-supporting properties. It is sometimes included to help improve skin tone, hydration, and to enhance penetration of other actives.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Mild skin irritation or redness | Uncommon | Transient localized reaction, typically at higher concentrations. |
Itching or stinging on application | Uncommon | Usually mild and self-limiting. |
Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Hypersensitivity reactions are infrequently reported. |
Dryness or peeling | Rare | Generally well tolerated; dryness uncommon in topical use. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.